Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

Aug. 16, 2024

Inventory is Rising in Lakota School District

As of Friday, August 16th. There are currently 62 single family homes and condos available for sale UNDER $500,000 in Liberty Township, Ohio and West Chester, Ohio. The inventory has continued to rise, check out all of the listings available in Lakota School District here.

July 22, 2024

Is a Pool a Good Investment for Your Home?

Is a Pool a Good Investment for Your Home? 

Here are a few pros and cons to consider before adding a pool to your home.

When it comes to deciding on home improvements, you want to make wise investments that enhance your property's value, while also making choices that contribute to your enjoyment of your home. Pools, for example, rate high on the list of enjoyable home features, but you may question whether they are a good financial decision. Before taking the plunge, it's important to evaluate the pros and cons to determine if a pool is a good decision for you.

The Pros of Installing a Pool for Your Home

  1. Increased Property Value: A well-maintained pool can enhance your home's market value. In regions with warmer climates or where pools are highly sought after, having a pool can be an attractive feature for potential buyers, potentially leading to a higher selling price. 

  2. Lifestyle and Recreation: A pool offers endless opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and exercise. It can serve as a hub for family gatherings, parties, and outdoor activities, creating lasting memories and enriching your quality of life. 

  3. Curb Appeal: A visually appealing pool, complemented by well-designed landscaping, can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your property. It adds an element of luxury and sophistication, making your home stand out in the neighborhood. 

  4. Health and Well-being: Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that provides numerous health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle tone, and stress relief. Having a pool at your doorstep encourages regular physical activity and promotes a healthier lifestyle. 

    Homes with Pools #onthemarketnow!

    Is a pool on your list of must-haves? Check out local homes for sale with backyard pools or community access! Click the link below and filter your results by adding a location or school district at the top of the results page.

    Search for Homes with a Pool

The Cons of Installing a Pool for Your Home

  1. High Installation and Maintenance Costs: Pools require a significant financial investment, including the initial construction costs, permits, and ongoing maintenance expenses. From regular cleaning and water treatments to energy costs for heating and filtration, these expenses can add up over time. 

  2. Limited Use and Seasonal Considerations: Depending on your geographical location, a pool may have limited use throughout the year, particularly in colder climates. You must consider the relatively short swimming season and evaluate whether the investment justifies the limited time for enjoyment. 

  3. Potential Safety Concerns: Pools come with inherent safety risks, especially if you have children or pets. Implementing safety measures such as fences, alarms, and pool covers is crucial, but these additional precautions add to the overall costs. 

  4. Potential Buyer Preferences: While some homebuyers consider a pool a desirable feature, others may perceive it as a liability. Families with young children or those seeking low-maintenance properties might be deterred by the responsibilities associated with pool ownership, potentially limiting your buyer pool when it's time to sell. 

Deciding whether a pool is a good investment for your home requires careful consideration of various factors, including your budget, lifestyle, location, and long-term plans. While a well-designed pool can add value, aesthetic appeal, and recreational opportunities to your property, it's important to weigh the associated costs and potential drawbacks. Ultimately, the decision should align with your preferences, financial situation, and long-term goals for your property. 

June 17, 2024

Ohio Homes at Your Fingertips: Interactive Map Unveils Every Listing

House hunting in Ohio just got a whole lot easier! Imagine a visual tool that lets you see every single home currently available for sale across the entire state. No more endless scrolling through listings or missing out on hidden gems. This interactive map is here to revolutionize your search. With a few clicks, you can filter by location, price range, and property type, making it easier than ever to find your perfect match. So, whether you're a first-time buyer searching for a cozy starter home or a growing family looking for more space, this map is your one-stop shop for navigating the Ohio housing market.

Homes For Sale in Ohio - Mapped

 

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1f2Nlm9mqd7qsgV2NmhbA64DgRetlSPU&usp=sharing

April 21, 2024

The Benefits of Buying a Green Home

The Benefits of Buying a Green Home

Here are 6 reasons why buying a green home makes sense for homebuyers.

 

Green homes are becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the impact that their homes have on the environment. These homes are designed to be energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable, and they offer a wide range of benefits for homebuyers. If you're in the market for a new home, below are 6 reasons why you should consider buying a green home.

1. Lower Energy Bills 

One of the most significant benefits of green homes is that they are designed to be energy efficient. This means that they use less energy than traditional homes, which results in lower energy bills for homeowners. Green homes are typically designed with features like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and LED lighting, all of which help to reduce energy consumption and costs. 

2. Improved Indoor Air Quality 

Green homes are designed to be healthier for both the environment and the people who live in them. They are typically built with materials that are free of harmful chemicals and toxins, which can improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. 

3. Reduced Environmental Impact 

Green homes are designed to be eco-friendly and sustainable, which means that they have a lower environmental impact than traditional homes. They are typically built with materials that are recyclable or biodegradable, and they often feature energy-efficient systems like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and geothermal heating and cooling. These features help to reduce the home's carbon footprint and minimize its impact on the environment. 

4. Increased Resale Value 

Another significant benefit of green homes for homebuyers is that they often have a higher resale value than traditional homes. This is because they are in high demand among environmentally conscious buyers, and they are often viewed as more valuable due to their energy-efficient features and sustainable design. 

5. Tax Credits and Incentives

Many homebuyers may not realize that they can take advantage of incentives and financing options for green homes. For example, some states and municipalities offer tax credits or rebates for homeowners who install energy-efficient systems or make other green upgrades to their homes. Additionally, there are often green financing options available that can make it easier for homebuyers to purchase a green home. 

6. Improved Quality of Life

Green homes are often designed with the health and comfort of the occupants in mind. They are typically built with features like natural ventilation, ample natural light, and non-toxic materials, all of which can create a more pleasant and comfortable living environment. Additionally, many green homes are designed with features like indoor gardens, which can improve air quality and create a calming, relaxing atmosphere. 

The Buying Decision

There are probably few things in life as exciting, or as nerve-racking, as the decision to purchase a home. This is a normal reaction, and is found in seasoned as well as first-time homebuyers.

Learn More
April 12, 2024

When is the Best Time to Sell Your Home in 2024?

If you're planning to sell your home this year, you might be wondering when the best time to list your property is. While the housing market can be unpredictable, there are certain trends and patterns that can help you make an informed decision.

According to a recent report by Realtor.com, the week of April 14–20, 2024 is expected to have the ideal balance of housing market conditions that favor home sellers, more so than any other week this year. What makes April such a great time to list your home for sale? Let's take a look at a few of the factors that can give sellers a competitive edge during April.

Homes Receive More Views Online

Based on data from previous years, home listings online receive more views during April than any other time of year. Historically, homes have received 18.4% more views during the week of April 14-20 compared with other weeks of the year. More home views means more potential buyers which can drive the price of homes higher.

Homes Sell for Higher Prices

Homes that are listed during April of 2024 are expected to have a listing price that is $34,000 higher than homes that listed at the beginning of 2024, and $7,400 above the average week. Listing your home during April of 2024 could mean more money for you at closing compared to if you waited to list later this year.

Homes Sell Faster

During the month of April, homes have historically sold much faster than other months of the year. Realtor.com predicts that during the 2024 market, homes will sell 17% faster than any other month of the year.

The Weather is Great for Showings

Another things that makes April such a great time to list is that it marks the beginning of the busy season in the real estate market. With the warmer weather and longer days, more people are out and about, which means there are more potential buyers looking for homes. Additionally, many buyers want to move in the summer, which means they start their home search in the spring.

The Next Best Time to List? Summer

If you're not able to sell your home in the spring, the next best time to list your home for sale in 2024 will be in the summer, specifically in June. This is based on the fact that the summer months tend to see a surge in home buying activity, as families with children try to move in before the start of the new school year. 

The median time on market for homes listed in June is about a week longer than for homes listed in March and April, but still significantly lower than for homes listed at other times of the year. Additionally, homes listed in June tend to sell for a higher price than homes listed at other times of the year, on average.  

 

Median Sales Price (February 2024)

Here are the year-to-date changes in median sale price for our region.

See the full report.

+12.4%

Cincinnati

+15.38%

Dayton

+10%

Kentucky

March 11, 2024

Spring Yard Maintenance

Spring is a beautiful season, and with its arrival, homeowners around the region are ready to start enjoying the great outdoors. However, before you can fully enjoy the season, there are a few yard maintenance tasks you should take care of. In this blog post, we'll explore the essential spring yard maintenance tasks that homeowners need to focus on to ensure their yards are in top condition for the season.

1. Clean Up the Yard

The first task on your spring yard maintenance list should be cleaning up your yard. During the winter, debris like fallen branches, dead leaves, and twigs tend to accumulate on your lawn. Make sure you rake up and remove any debris from your lawn to prevent it from suffocating your grass.

Additionally, you should inspect your garden beds for any signs of damage or debris. If you find any dead plants or weeds, remove them promptly. You should also remove any debris that may have accumulated in your gutters.

2. Prune Your Trees and Shrubs

Spring is an excellent time to prune your trees and shrubs. Trimming dead or damaged branches will promote healthy growth and improve the appearance of your yard. Additionally, pruning during springtime helps to prevent the growth of fungus and disease that can harm your plants. Be sure to trim only what is necessary, and avoid cutting off any healthy branches.

3. Aerate Your Lawn

Lawn aeration is another critical task for spring yard maintenance. Aeration involves perforating your lawn's soil with small holes, which allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the roots. This process helps to strengthen your lawn's roots, reduce soil compaction, and improve drainage.

You can aerate your lawn yourself with a manual aerator or hire a professional landscaper to do the job for you. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much aeration can damage your lawn.

Home Services

We're here for you for the life of your home. Whenever you need home maintenance, repairs, improvements, or cleaning, you can trust that our local vendors are insured and dependable. Try out our free concierge service!

Home Services
4. Test Your Soil

Spring is an excellent time to test your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content. A soil test can help you identify any nutrient deficiencies or imbalances in your soil, which can affect the health of your plants.

You can purchase a soil test kit from a local garden center or hire a professional to test your soil for you. Once you know your soil's nutrient content, you can add any necessary amendments, such as fertilizer or lime, to improve its quality.

5. Fertilize Your Lawn

Fertilizing your lawn is essential for maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn. Spring is the ideal time to fertilize your lawn, as it provides the nutrients your grass needs to grow and flourish throughout the season. Choose a fertilizer that is specifically designed for your type of grass and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Mulch Your Garden Beds

Mulching your garden beds is an excellent way to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds can also improve the appearance of your yard.

Choose a mulch that is appropriate for your plants and climate, such as shredded bark, wood chips, or straw. Apply a layer of mulch that is 2-3 inches deep, being careful not to cover the base of your plants.

How to Increase Your Home's Value with Landscaping Improvements

Follow these tips to add value and enjoyment to your home.

Read More

July 31, 2017

Curious About Local Real Estate?

Receive the Latest Local Market Stats

Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.

Posted in Market Updates